Wrestlers battled into the late hours of Friday night as the high school state wrestling tournaments got under way across Montana.
The State AA tournament ran well behind schedule in Kalispell, with the final matches not taking place until well after 11 p.m. Kalispell Flathead ended the first day with the team lead, holding a slim margin over Billings Senior and Great Falls.
The Class A state tournament kicked off in Miles City, where Sidney is well-positioned to win its fourth consecutive team title after the first day. Lewistown's Cooper Birdwell was also impressive in his first two matches as he seeks to finish an undefeated high school career with his fourth individual title this weekend.
In Shelby, Glasgow and Huntley Project lead the field at the Class B/C state tournament. Circle, the three-time reigning Class C state champion, currently sits third in the team standings.
